TIP 2

2) TIP 2 - Aids and props
Firstly be aware of any rules set out by the school in relation to the use of aids such as palm cards or props. My children have always had palm cards with them when they present a speech. Hopefully they know the speech off by heart or almost at least however the palm cards are there for a back up and in case of stage fright or nerves. Not all competitions will allow the use of palm cards so make sure you check. If your public speaker is more seasoned or unlikely to get nervous you may not need palm cards. We learnt a lesson in relation to palm cards very early in my sons school career. He was in year 1 and presenting his speech in the finals. Right near the beginning of his speech he dropped his palm cards and they scattered all over the ground. Luckily they were numbered however the regathering of palm cards detracted from the presentation. The next idea was not my own but something we observed when attending public speaking competitions. Some of the other children had their palm cards laminated with a ring through the top corner (see below). This helps avoid the scattering palm cards and also prevents nervous fiddlers from getting their cards out of order.

One or two visual props can also help your presentation. Once again you need to check the rules for your competition. You don't want too many props which will detract from the content and flow of the speech however one or 2 can help with audience engagement. It may be something as simple as crazy hair or dressing a particular way. For example my son did a speech on soft drink in the school bubbler and we blackened out a couple of his teeth. Powerpoints presentations are not the kind of speeches that I will address on this page however can be useful for longer factual presentations.

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